Back Country Camping-Pope Bay Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Maryland residents with a keen sense of adventure and a desire to truly disconnect, Back Country Camping - Pope Bay Campground offers an unparalleled primitive camping experience. Located within the pristine Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland, this isn't your typical drive-up campsite. Pope Bay is a destination for the dedicated outdoor enthusiast – particularly those who enjoy paddling, fishing, or hunting – and who are prepared for a journey that rewards with profound solitude and breathtaking natural beauty. As one adventurous local reviewer highlighted, while the path to Pope Bay might be a bit challenging, the rewards, like watching wild horses and enjoying peaceful surroundings, are truly unique to this special corner of Maryland.

Pope Bay Campground epitomizes the "backcountry" ethos: minimal development, maximum nature. It's a place where you'll find essential amenities like a fire ring and a well-maintained chemical toilet, but no running water, electricity, or extensive facilities. This intentional simplicity ensures that the wild character of Assateague Island is preserved, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the coastal environment. It's a perfect spot for those seeking an unadulterated connection with nature, far from the hustle and bustle. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves the rhythmic sound of waves, the chance to spot iconic wild horses, and the satisfaction of a well-earned, secluded campsite, then Pope Bay Campground should be high on your list of Maryland adventures.

Location and Accessibility

Back Country Camping - Pope Bay Campground is situated on the bayside of Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland, USA. Its exact location is within the extensive natural landscape of the island, and as a backcountry site, it is not directly accessible by private vehicle. This means that reaching Pope Bay typically involves a significant hike, a paddle, or a combination of both, making the journey part of the adventure. The main Ranger Station for the Maryland District of Assateague Island National Seashore is located at 6633 Bayberry Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811, which serves as a crucial starting point for obtaining permits and information before heading to the backcountry sites.

Accessing Pope Bay often requires a dedicated effort. As noted by a local reviewer, it can be "a bit confusing to get to," with suggestions to use GPS and a map, and for kayakers or canoeists, to plan for "6 hours due to finding the place and breaks; it is haul to get here around 10 to 11 miles straight as the crow flies, longer if you are paddling the coast." This level of remote accessibility is a key feature, filtering out casual campers and ensuring a more secluded experience for those who make the effort. For Marylanders who enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or backpacking, this accessibility offers a unique opportunity to explore parts of Assateague Island that are less frequented, providing a deeper connection to the island's unique coastal ecosystem and its famous wild horses.

Services Offered

As a true backcountry camping experience, Pope Bay Campground offers minimal services, focusing on the essentials required for a primitive outdoor stay. This approach is designed to preserve the natural environment and provide an authentic wilderness immersion for campers from Maryland and beyond. It is crucial for visitors to be entirely self-sufficient and prepared for an environment without typical campground amenities.

• Designated Campsites: Pope Bay accommodates up to 2 groups and/or 10 people in a designated camping area, ensuring a contained impact on the natural surroundings.
• Picnic Table: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Ring: A fire ring is provided at each site for campfires. It is essential to check for any fire restrictions or bans before lighting a fire.
• Chemical Toilet: A well-maintained chemical toilet is available, providing a basic sanitation facility that also serves as a "protective bunker against horses," as humorously noted by a previous camper, highlighting the presence of the famous wild horses.
• No Water Available: Campers must bring all their own drinking water (a recommended minimum of one gallon per person per day) and water for cooking and hygiene. There are no potable water sources on site.
• No Garbage Service: Adhering strictly to "Leave No Trace" principles, campers are required to pack out all trash, including food scraps, ensuring no waste is left behind.
• Limited Shade: Unlike some forested backcountry sites, Pope Bay is noted for having "little shade," meaning campers should be prepared for sun exposure and bring adequate sun protection.
• No Hammock/Hammock Tents: It is explicitly advised against bringing hammock tents or hammocks as there is "no place to put them (they damage the trees)." This emphasizes the protection of the environment.
• No Pets Allowed: To protect the sensitive ecosystem and the wild horses, pets are strictly prohibited in the backcountry camping areas of Assateague Island National Seashore.
• Permits Required: A $10 per person backcountry permit (for ages 16 and older) must be purchased at the Ranger Station in the Maryland District, and National Park entrance fees also apply. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of departure.
• Vehicle Parking: Backpackers' vehicles must be parked at North Beach, and paddlers can park at Old Ferry Landing or Bayside Picnic Area, displaying a parking tag obtained with the permit.
• No Motorized Boat/Vehicle Transport: Transportation of campers or equipment by motorized boat or vehicle (including OSV permits) to the backcountry sites is strictly prohibited.

Features / Highlights

• Truly Secluded Wilderness Experience: Pope Bay offers an exceptional level of solitude and quiet, appealing to those who wish to escape crowds and immerse themselves fully in nature. The challenging access contributes to this seclusion, ensuring a more private experience.

• Wild Horse Sightings: A major highlight is the opportunity to observe Assateague's famous wild horses in their natural habitat, as mentioned by a previous visitor who "got to watch horses rolling around in the dirt and swim." This unique wildlife interaction is a memorable part of the experience.

• Ideal for Paddlers: The campground is particularly well-suited for kayakers and canoeists, offering a rewarding journey across the bay and direct water access for exploration. The bay's calm waters are perfect for these activities.

• Excellent for Crabbing, Fly Fishing, or Duck Hunting: As noted by a seasoned camper, Pope Bay is a "Great place for crabbing, fly fishing, or duck hunting," appealing to those interested in these specific outdoor pursuits (subject to relevant Maryland regulations and seasons).

• Primitive Amenities for Authentic Camping: The provision of a fire ring and a clean chemical toilet, coupled with the absence of modern conveniences, ensures an authentic primitive camping experience, fostering self-reliance and a deeper connection to the outdoors.

• Stargazing Opportunities: Away from urban light pollution, Pope Bay offers spectacular dark skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and enjoying celestial displays.

• Leave No Trace Ethos: The required practice of "Leave No Trace" principles (packing out all trash, no hammocks, etc.) ensures that the natural beauty of the site is preserved, benefiting all visitors and the environment.

• Unique Coastal Environment: Camping in a bayside setting on a barrier island provides a distinct experience, with unique flora, fauna, and coastal landscapes that differ from inland camping spots in Maryland.

Contact Information

Address: Maryland, USA (Specifically, within Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland District. The Ranger Station for permits and information is at 6633 Bayberry Drive, Berlin, MD 21811).

Phone: For information regarding Assateague Island National Seashore backcountry camping, including permits and conditions, the primary contact number for the Maryland District Ranger Station/Campground Office is (410) 641-1441 (press #3 for camping information). For general park information, you might also use (410) 641-1441 (press #1 for Visitor Center).

It is highly recommended to call ahead or visit the official National Park Service website for Assateague Island (nps.gov/asis) to confirm current regulations, permit requirements, weather conditions, and any potential closures before planning your trip, especially given the remote and primitive nature of Pope Bay Campground.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Marylanders seeking an unparalleled outdoor adventure that truly pushes the boundaries of a typical camping trip, Back Country Camping - Pope Bay Campground is exceptionally suitable. Its allure for locals lies in its genuine remoteness and the raw, untouched beauty it offers within their home state. While the journey to Pope Bay might demand more effort – whether it's a long paddle across the bay or a dedicated hike – this very challenge weeds out casual visitors, ensuring a more secluded and pristine experience for those who truly seek it. For those who own kayaks or canoes, it presents a unique opportunity to utilize their gear for a rewarding multi-hour expedition, culminating in a serene bayside camp.

The immediate reward for this effort is the immersive experience with Assateague Island’s iconic wild horses, a sight that truly defines the region and creates unforgettable memories. Beyond the horses, the specific features of Pope Bay, such as its suitability for crabbing, fly fishing, or duck hunting (with proper permits), cater to specific local outdoor passions. This isn't just a place to set up a tent; it's a vibrant ecosystem where nature enthusiasts can actively engage with the environment, observing wildlife and pursuing traditional outdoor pastimes. The "Leave No Trace" ethic, inherent in backcountry camping, aligns perfectly with the values of many Marylanders who care deeply about preserving their state's natural treasures. Pope Bay Campground is therefore more than just a site; it's an opportunity for locals to test their outdoor skills, revel in the solitude of a unique coastal wilderness, and forge a deeper connection with the remarkable natural heritage that Maryland proudly offers.

Back Country Camping-Pope Bay Campground

Maryland, USA